A Philadelphia police officer is in the hospital after investigators say a truck ran over his foot and fled the scene.
It happened around 7:45 p.m. on 4th and Olney Avenue during a traffic stop. Police say the 26-year-old officer stopped the truck when the driver of the vehicle suddenly accelerated, running over his left foot.
"When a 35th District Officer attempted to open the door of the vehicle to have the operator step out, the operator sped off at a high rate of speed, dragging the 35th District Officer one block," said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small. "The officer fell off the vehicle on the 300 block of Olney Avenue."
The officer suffered a fractured left ankle and abrasions on his elbow. He was taken to Einstein Hospital where he is listed in stable condition.
Police say they recovered the suspect's vehicle, a 2011 black Ford F150 with chrome rims, at 5600 Ormes Street a short time later. They also say they know the suspect's name and address. They say the driver initially turned over his license and registration during the traffic stop. Investigators suspect he may have had drugs or a weapon inside the truck. Police also recovered a gun in the road nearby the scene of the crime. They have not yet confirmed however whether the gun belongs to the suspect.
"We will find out what's in the vehicle," said Inspector Small. "And we will find out ultimately why this individual took such drastic measures to get away from police."
Police believe the suspect may be near Whitehall Road and Main Street in West Norriton. They are currently searching the area.
They did question and release a person of interest previously believed to be involved in the incident.
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